Kelly Marcel to Draft The Little Mermaid

Fifty Shades of Grey and Saving Mr. Banks screenwriter Kelly Marcel has signed on to adapt the Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale The Little Mermaid, Deadline reports. The Working Title Films production will be directed by Joe Wright (Pride & Prejudice, Hanna, Jane Eyre).

Abi Morgan (Brick Lane, Shame) previously drafted the project, following the story of a young mermaid who gives up her life in the sea for a human prince.

Andersen’s story was first published in 1837 and has been adapted numerous times for stage and screen. Wright’s version is inspired by a children’s puppet theatre production of the classic at London’s Little Angel Theatre Company.